David’s brothers were no doubt shepherds, as he was, but they did not have the walk with God that David had. They did not use the time wisely, and meditate upon the things of God as David did. They did not develop the character that David had because when they were lying on a hillside, watching the flock by night, they idled away their time. They did not pray and study God’s Word, as David did. They had no song in their heart, as he did, and had nothing to sing about anyway! David had even invented a stringed instrument in which to sing praises unto God with; no, his time was not wasted as he sat there for hours watching the flock of his father. David was busy writing songs and praising God. His brothers had the same chance that he had, but wasted their time doing other things. What made the difference? The way they served, and sought, the Lord.

When the time came to choose a king, David was not even in the running as far as men were concerned, and yet, God had different plans. God had been preparing him for the throne on the hillside. Redeeming the time made the difference in the life of David, and it still makes a difference in our lives today. There is enough evil in the day without wasting our time and thoughts on worldly things; we are not going to make a great impact by seeking after those things. The thing that will make an impact are the things of God; the mountain-movers of faith. Philippians 4:8 tells us what we need to keep our minds on “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” If it doesn’t fit these guidelines, it isn’t worth thinking about! We are too busy with the “business” of this world, and not busy enough in the business of the Lord. David redeemed the time by meditating upon the right things; there is no better way to spend our time, and increase our strength in the Lord, than by meditating on Him and His Word. That is the key to true success. I would say that David was successful in all that he did, but why was that? Because he constantly sought the Lord’s leading; he kept his mind on the right things.